Scott Kara: The iPad generation

I don't doubt the need for students to step into the 21st century. But who pays? Photo / Thinkstock

It's likely that the only way I will ever get my hands on an iPad is if there's a two-for-one deal down at the local gadget store - that way I can get one for my daughter, Mia, and one for me.

Oh, and I'll share mine with her mum and she can share hers with her baby sister because we won't be having one each that's for sure.

The only problem is, Mia doesn't need an iPad (or an iPad2, which is apparently the preferred tablet in schools these days), because she's a long way off going to high school yet. So no iPad for me then.

The scary thing is she will be at secondary school in nine years and I hate to think what fiendish computer technology they will be using then. But that's for me to worry about in the future.

The point is, at present, these new smart computers - or whatever they call them these days - cost big bucks.

I'm quietly relieved Mia is happy pottering away on the Dora the Explorer lap top her Nana bought her - as opposed to being of an age where an iPad, or something similar, is "essential" as some schools are now proclaiming.

I don't doubt the need for students to step into the 21st century. But who pays?

As I said, my wife and I are a long way from having to cough up for expensive school bills, but I'm not sure we would be able to send Mia off to high school with an iPad on top of tuition fees, music lessons, and the rest.

I'm of the generation that grew up when the computer age was still in its infancy. You know, when ZX 81s and Commodore 64s were big - for playing games on, at least.

And back then I shunned computers. Couldn't be bothered with them because they were so slow. Yes, I was naive - dumb even - not to get computer savvy early on. But I was happier outside kicking a ball around, or writing long-hand in my notebook. I'm still a little that way inclined, although my mighty Macbook and Google are very handy indeed.

What's changed though, is that when I was at school and university it was fine to get a little bit behind the technological times because it was evolving at snail's pace compared to now.

These days if your kids don't have - or at the very least have access to - these newfangled gadgets, then they will get left behind. It's as simple as that.

So parents will have the job of finding ways to supplement a kid's computer needs.

Sadly, that might mean families forgoing things like bikes, music lessons, and sport. And if you ask me, for any kid not to have a bike, or a pair of rugby boots to call their own, is robbing them of a few basic childhood rights.

Still, there must be some sort of violin lesson or bike riding App you can download. Surely?